‘Monsters Inc. 3’ joins new slate with ‘Ono Ghost Market’ and first musical

‘Monsters Inc. 3’ is in development as the studio behind the hit franchise expands its sequel lineup while also backing new original films. The update surfaced as the company prepared to release ‘Hoppers.’ Along with a third ‘Monsters’ film, the upcoming slate includes ‘Ono Ghost Market,’ ‘Gatto,’ and what is being described as the studio’s first musical.The Wall Street Journal reported that a third film in the popular ‘Monsters’ series is now in the works. The report said it is not immediately clear who will direct the next big-screen installment. The studio is also keeping plot details under wraps, including the story's timeline.The franchise began with 2001’s ‘Monsters, Inc.,’ which followed a city powered by monsters who scare children. Directed by Pete Docter and featuring the voices of John Goodman and Billy Crystal, the film earned USD 528.7 million worldwide. The 2013 prequel ‘Monsters University,’ directed by Dan Scanlon, went on to earn USD 743.5 million globally. The world later expanded with the sequel series ‘Monsters at Work,’ which ran for two seasons.The studio is also developing original features alongside its major sequels. One of them is next year’s ‘Gatto,’ described as a story about a feline thief in Venice. Another project, ‘Ono Ghost Market,’ was reportedly shifted from a streaming series into a movie. It is inspired by Asian myths about supernatural bazaars where the living and dead interact.Pixar is also working on its first musical, with ‘Turning Red’ director Domee Shi attached to the project. At the same time, more sequels are on the way. ‘Toy Story 5,’ due in June, will see Buzz Lightyear and a balding Woody face off against a smart tablet. ‘The Incredibles 3’ is dated for 2028 and will be directed by ‘Elemental’ filmmaker Peter Sohn. A second ‘Coco’ movie is expected in 2029.As for ‘Hoppers,’ the animal-centered adventure earned USD 3.2 million in previews. It is projected to make between USD 35 million and USD 40 million from 4,000 theaters this weekend.